Play device with activatable characters and method

ABSTRACT

A play device includes an outer shell, a holding compound, and at least one activatable character concealed within the compound. The character has a resilient/elastomeric body and at least one appendage. The character may bend, stretch, and/or be compressed. The compound is capable of temporarily confining a character covered with the compound. The compound gradually releases the character from a deformed state within the compound to an un-deformed state. The outer shell holds the deformed character within the compound to prevent the character from progressing to an activated, undeformed state until the user is ready to activate the character by releasing the character from the outer shell. Spring forces associated with the resilient or elastomeric material of the character allows it to progress from the deformed state to the un-deformed state in which the character expands and at least a portion of the character breaks free from the compound.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/696,796, filed Jul. 11, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/736,202, filed Sep. 25, 2018; the entirety of these related applications being incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to play toys and methods of interacting with toys, and more particularly, to a play device with activatable characters that can be selectively activated by a user, and a method of interacting with the device in which a user can choose one of several methods to activate a character of the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One common category of toys is those which use moldable material and a mold that allow a user to form the moldable material in a desired shape. Many of these types of toys involve the use of specially designed molds that enable a user to produce shapes with specific purposes or functional characteristics. One common drawback for these types of toys is that there are a limited number of choices as to how a user interacts with the moldable material. That is, the user is able to use a mold to create a desired shape toy; however, shapes are limited to the few molds made available. Accordingly, user interaction is limited to the particular group of molds to produce a limited number of shapes.

Moldable toys are but one type of toy that may involve use of a moldable material, there being other toys which may involve the use of a moldable material in conjunction with other components of a toy system. What appears to be lacking in the prior art with respect to moldable toys is the ability of a user to selectively activate another element or component associated with the toy in which the selective activation provides increased interactive benefits to include unique changes in shape of the moldable material along with interesting visuals associated with activation of the other element or component.

Considering the number of toys making up the body of prior art, there is still lacking in the prior art a toy that can be selectively activated by the user in which one element is concealed within another element, and the user being able to choose a particular method for activation of the concealed element. The prior art also lacks functionality with respect to the ability of a user to choose a number of different forms or shapes for the concealed element, while also providing the ability for user to select an outer enclosing element which can be of various materials resulting in different ways in which the concealed element is activated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention in one preferred embodiment includes a play device with one or more activatable characters that can be selectively activated by a user. The device includes an outer shell or mold, a holding material compound, and an activatable character that is concealed within the compound. The character may represent a living organism, a fanciful character, or another object selected by the user. For example, a character could include an elastomeric object in the shape of an animal, a fanciful monster character, or an inanimate object. The character includes a body and at least one appendage that extend from the body. Preferably, the character is elastomeric which allows the character to bend or flex, stretch, and/or be compressed. The holding material compound is a viscous compound that is capable of temporarily confining a character that is covered with the compound, but the compound is capable of gradually releasing the character from a deformed configuration within the compound to an un-deformed configuration that is achieved by the resilient or elastomeric material of which the character is made. The mold is used to hold the deformed character within the holding material compound and to prevent the character and compound from progressing to an activated state until the user is ready to activate the character.

In order to prepare the toy for use, a user places the character in a stowed or deformed state in which the resilient or elastomeric nature of the material enables the character to be activated later resulting in the character returning to its natural or un-deformed shape. For example, the character could be made from an elastomeric material in the shape of an animal such as an octopus. A user may place the character in the stowed or deformed state by wrapping the tentacles of the octopus around the body, or may otherwise fold the tentacles such that they do not extend away from the body. The user then obtains a desired amount of the holding material compound and covers the character such that the character is held within the compound. The compound with the concealed deformed character may be placed within the mold. The character is held within the compound and is not capable of activation until the compound is released from the mold. Alternatively, the character can be packed within the holding material compound another way such as first placing a desired amount of the compound within the mold, placing the character in the stowed/deformed state, and then covering the character with additional holding material compound within the mold.

Activation of the character occurs, free of any outside forces such as a motor or activation mechanism, so that the character appears to extract itself from the surrounding mass of material without any external aid. The resilient forces of the elastomeric material, while the character is in the deformed state, enable the character to expand to its un-deformed shape or state thereby providing a unique visual experience for the user in which the character appears to come alive by breaking free of the holding material compound.

In another aspect of the invention according to another preferred embodiment, it includes a method of interacting with the device in which a user can choose one of several methods to activate a character of the device. According to a first method, the user places the character in the stowed/deformed state and then applies a desired amount of holding material compound to cover the character. The user then releases the holding material compound on a surface such as a table. The character will then expand and break out of the holding material compound returning the character to its natural or un-deformed shape/state.

According to a second method of activation, the user places the character in the deformed state and within a desired amount of holding material compound. The user then secures the concealed character and holding material compound within the outer shell or mold. The user then frees the character and holding material from the mold which allows the character to expand and break free from the compound.

According to yet another method, the user may supplement holding of the character in its stowed/deformed state by use of a locking pin that engages selected parts of the character. For example, the locking pin could be placed through small openings formed in each appendage of the character thereby assisting in holding of the character in the stowed position. The holding material compound is then packed around the character with a portion of the pin exposed so the user can remove the pin from engagement with the appendages. Use of the pin can be adopted with either the first or second activation method.

Considering the above features and attributes of the invention, in one particular aspect, it may be considered a play device comprising: an outer shell; an activatable character having a body and at least one appendage; a holding material compound in contact with and surrounding at least a portion of said activatable character, said activatable character and said holding material compound placed within said outer shell; and wherein said outer shell is removed from said activatable character and said holding material enabling said activatable character to progress from a deformed state within said holding material to an un-deformed state in which said activatable character expands and at least a portion of said activatable character breaks free from said holding material compound.

Optional features of this first particular aspect of the invention may include: (1) said activatable character is made from an elastomeric material; (2) said holding material compound is a pliable, viscous material which places a compression holding force upon said activatable character when said activatable character is covered with said holding material compound, and further wherein said activatable character is made from an elastomeric material such that when said activatable character is deformed within said holding material compound, a return spring force of said elastomeric material overcomes the compression holding force enabling said activatable character to expand and break free from said holding material compound; or (3) said body resembles the shape of an animal or a fanciful character, and said appendages resemble the shape of arms, legs, tentacles, or combinations thereof.

According to another particular aspect of the invention, it may be considered a method of interacting with a play device to selectively activate a character of the device, said method comprising: (a) providing a play device comprising an outer shell, an activatable character made of an elastomeric material, said character having a body and at least one appendage, and a holding material compound in contact with and surrounding at least a portion of said activatable character; (b) placing said activatable character and said holding material compound within said outer shell; (c) subsequently removing said outer shell from said activatable character and said holding material; and (d) expanding said activatable character by spring forces associated with said elastomeric material so said activatable character progresses from a deformed state within said holding material to an un-deformed state in which said activatable character expands and at least a portion of said activatable character breaks free from said holding material compound.

An optional feature of this second particular aspect may further include providing a pin and an opening in said at least one appendage of said activatable character; placing the pin in said opening to hold said appendage in the deformed state; and removing the pin when a user wishes to activate said activatable character.

According to yet another feature of the invention, it may be considered a play device comprising: an outer shell; an activatable character having a body and at least one appendage; a holding material compound in contact with and encapsulating said activatable character therein; said activatable character and said holding material compound placed within said outer shell wherein at least said holding material compound is placed in contact with an inner surface of said outer shell; and wherein said activatable character is made from an elastomeric material such that when said activatable character is deformed within said holding material compound, a return spring force of said elastomeric material overcomes a compression holding force of said holding material compound enabling said activatable character to expand and break free from said holding material compound.

Optional feature of this third particular aspect may include wherein: said holding material compound is a pliable, viscous material which places the compression holding force upon said activatable character when said activatable character is encapsulated within said holding material compound, and wherein said outer surface is exposed and said outer surface includes a plurality of ridges and depressions.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent by a review of the follow detailed description taken in conjunction with the figures and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the play device showing the outer shell with two interlocking pieces;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the play device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the interlocking pieces of the shell and an amount of holding material compound placed in the interlocking piece;

FIG. 4 shows the perspective view of FIG. 3 with a user spreading the holding material compound within the piece;

FIG. 5 shows one example of how a character can be folded to present a smaller profile so it can be more easily encapsulated within the holding material compound;

FIG. 6 shows the perspective view of FIG. 3 with a character folded and placed within the piece of the shell against the spread holding material compound;

FIG. 7 shows the perspective view of FIG. 3 with holding material compound that fully encapsulates the character, either by further spreading the compound or adding additional compound; and

FIGS. 8-10 show the character in progressive activation in which the resiliency or spring forces of the character overcome compression forces of the compound thereby enabling the character to expand and break through the compound.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one example of a preferred embodiment of the device 10 of the invention. The device includes an outer shell or mold 12. In this example, the mold 12 is provided in two separable and interlocking pieces. Each of the pieces has connecting edges 18 which contact one another in a friction fit when the pieces are assembled. Specifically, the lip or edge 19 formed on one of the pieces makes a friction fit with the inside edge of the other piece (not shown). The mold 12 is illustrated in the shape of a rock or meteor including a number of ridges 14 and depressions 16. This shape however is exemplary and the mold can be formed in other shapes as desired. Optionally, the pieces may have one or more connecting flanges 20 and connecting slots 22 which enable the pieces to be interlocked.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the interlocking pieces of the shell 12 and an amount of holding material compound 50 placed in the interlocking piece.

FIG. 4 shows the perspective view of FIG. 3 with a user spreading the holding material compound within the piece. The compound 50 may be spread out within the shell so there is a greater surface area of the compound to cover a character 40.

FIG. 5 shows one example of how a character can be folded to present a smaller profile so it can be more easily encapsulated within the holding material compound. The character 40 has a body 42 and a plurality of appendages 44. It should be understood that the character 40 depicted is only exemplary, and the character 40 can be a number of other shapes and configurations to include different types of appendages 44. A user may selectively wrap, twist, or otherwise engage the appendages 44 so that they are maintained in a compacted shape and constrained within the compound 50. Preferably, the character 40 is made of a flexible and elastomeric material such that such material has a natural spring or resilient force which urges the character 40 to its un-deformed or natural shape.

FIG. 6 shows the perspective view of FIG. 3 with a character folded and placed within the piece of the shell against the spread holding material compound 50. As shown, the character 50 is folded to a size so it can be subsequently covered with compound material 40.

FIG. 7 shows the perspective view of FIG. 3 with holding material compound 50 that fully encapsulates the character 40, either by further spreading the compound material or adding additional compound material.

Although FIGS. 3-7 disclose one method of preparing a character to be prepared for stowing within the outer shell for later activation, it should be understood that other methods may be employed. For example, a user could fold the character and then take an amount of the compound material in the user's hands to encapsulate the character, and then placed the encapsulated character and compound material in the shell pieces. One advantage of first placing the compound material within one of the shell pieces is that it may be easier to manipulate the compound material while being held within one of the shell pieces.

FIG. 8 shows the holding material compound 50 and character 40 after some period of time in which the compound material and character are removed from the outer shell, and the resilient force of the character 40 begins to overcome the compression or holding forces of the overlying compound 50. Cracks or gaps 60 begin to form in the compound 50.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the appendages are able to progressively break free from the bounds of the compound 50 resulting in larger cracks or gaps 60 being formed in the compound 50. The movement of the character 42 breaking through the compound 50 makes the character 40 appear as if it were alive and capable of independent movement. FIG. 10 more specifically depicts some of the compound material as broken away from the character 40.

One method of freeing the compound material from the shell is to first separate the shell pieces, then the user grasps the shell piece that still retains the compound and character, and the user forcefully contacts the exposed edge of the shell piece against a surface. The force of the edge of the shell against the surface causes the compound material to separate from the interior surface of the shell piece.

One exemplary type of material that can be used for the compound 50 is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 7,862,894, this patent reference being incorporated herein by reference for purposes of disclosing an exemplary compound material. Another example of material that could be used for the compound includes granular material mixed with a binder. One preferable mixture is one which employs the granular material such that the binder maintains sufficient integrity to surround and hold the character, but when force is applied to the compound by the character being released from the shell or mold, combination of the granular material and binder allows for gradual cracking and break down of the compound allowing the character to fully extract itself from the surrounding material. One example of granular material may include play sand. One example of the binder may include putty that is mixed to a viscosity that provides the needed amount of resistance to allow gradual release of the character therein.

With respect to the characters 40, it is contemplated that there is a preferable proportion of body mass to the appendages. Too large of a body mass adds unnecessary bulk to the device whereas a body of too small of a mass does not provide a sufficient mass to easily wrap and compact the character and its appendages. Similarly, it is also contemplated that there is a preferable thickness and length for each appendage; if an appendage is too short, it cannot be easily wrapped and compacted whereas if an appendages too long, the elastomeric material will not have sufficient resilient force to fully extract itself from the surrounding compound. Further, if an appendages too long, it may add excessive bulk to the compacted character within the surrounding compound. Additionally, appendages that are disproportionately long may have a disproportionate degree of flexibility that will not provide a balanced resilient force for optimum extraction of the character within the surrounding compound.

The characters 40 may be made of a solid molded material or may be made from a molded material with portions thereof that are hollow and filled with a viscous material. The benefits of a character being filled with a viscous material include: (1) the character remaining more flexible than a solid molded material, (2) the character having greater flexibility allowing greater stretch and compaction of the character, the viscous material being naturally distributed throughout the interior of the character based upon a user selected method of compaction, and (3) enabling the viscous material to naturally flow to fill any less filled region within the character thereby resulting in the character having a greater spring or resilient force to for expansion back to its original or natural shape.

While the invention as set forth herein with respect to one or more preferred embodiments, it shall be understood that the invention is not specifically limited to these embodiments, and the invention should be considered as being capable of various changes and modifications commensurate with the scope of the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A play device comprising: an outer shell; an activatable character having a body and at least one appendage; a holding material compound in contact with and surrounding at least a portion of said activatable character, said activatable character and said holding material compound placed within said outer shell; and wherein said outer shell is removed from said activatable character and said holding material enabling said activatable character to progress from a deformed state within said holding material to an un-deformed state in which said activatable character expands and at least a portion of said activatable character breaks free from said holding material compound.
 2. The device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said activatable character is made from an elastomeric material.
 3. The device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said holding material compound is a pliable, viscous material which places a compression holding force upon said activatable character when said activatable character is covered with said holding material compound, and further wherein said activatable character is made from an elastomeric material such that when said activatable character is deformed within said holding material compound, a return spring force of said elastomeric material overcomes the compression holding force enabling said activatable character to expand and break free from said holding material compound.
 4. The device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said body resembles the shape of an animal or a fanciful character, and said appendages resemble the shape of arms, legs, tentacles, or combinations thereof.
 5. The device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the outer shell has the shape of a rock or meteor.
 6. A method of interacting with a play device to selectively activate a character of the device, said method comprising: providing a play device comprising an outer shell, an activatable character made of an elastomeric material, said character having a body and at least one appendage, and a holding material compound in contact with and surrounding at least a portion of said activatable character; placing said activatable character and said holding material compound within said outer shell; and removing said outer shell from said activatable character and said holding material; expanding said activatable character by spring forces associated with said elastomeric material so said activatable character progresses from a deformed state within said holding material to an un-deformed state in which said activatable character expands and at least a portion of said activatable character breaks free from said holding material compound.
 7. The method, as claimed in claim 6, further including: providing a pin and an opening in said at least one appendage of said activatable character; placing the pin in said opening to hold said appendage in the deformed state; and removing the pin when a user wishes to activate said activatable character.
 8. The method, as claimed in claim 6, wherein: cracks are formed in said holding material compound when said at least a portion of said activatable character breaks free from said holding material compound.
 9. A play device comprising: an outer shell; an activatable character having a body and at least one appendage; a holding material compound in contact with and encapsulating said activatable character therein; said activatable character and said holding material compound placed within said outer shell wherein at least said holding material compound is placed in contact with an inner surface of said outer shell; and wherein said activatable character is made from an elastomeric material such that when said activatable character is deformed within said holding material compound, a return spring force of said elastomeric material overcomes a compression holding force of said holding material compound enabling said activatable character to expand and break free from said holding material compound.
 10. The device, as claimed in claim 9, wherein: said holding material compound is a pliable, viscous material which places the compression holding force upon said activatable character when said activatable character is encapsulated within said holding material compound.
 11. The device, as claimed in claim 9, wherein: said outer surface is exposed and said outer surface includes a plurality of ridges and depressions. 